Blanchard man awaits arraignment, six counts of sex abuse

Correction: The story has been updated to correct the age range of Kuehn's alleged victims. The Bonner County Daily Bee apologizes for the error.

BLANCHARD — A Blanchard man is set to be arraigned Tuesday, March 11, on six charges of sexual abuse against a minor.  

Donald Charles Kuehn III, 24, was arrested Dec. 9, 2024, and is held on $250,000 bail at the Bonner County Jail. He will be asked to plead to the charges against him — one count of lewd conduct with child under 16 and five counts of willfully withholding child sexually exploitative material — during the arraignment.  

At an arraignment hearing, a judge will inform the defendant of the charges filed against them. The defendant will also be given an opportunity to plead innocent or guilty to those charges. If the defendant remains silent, a plea of not guilty will be entered on their behalf.  

According to an affidavit in support of a warrant, Bonner County Sheriff’s office became aware of Kuehn’s alleged underage relationships after one of his victim’s reported his crimes by way of a 911 call.  

Kuehn allegedly had sexual relations with several girls in the Blanchard area, ranging from ages 15 to 17. According to court documents, Kuehn allegedly coerced at least one victim to partake in illegal substances at his residence in Blanchard before committing sexual abuse.  

Kuehn, according to court records, knew the victims’ ages at the time of each assault.  

Charges related to lewd conduct with a child carry a maximum life sentence, with child exploitation charges carrying a maximum of 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.  

Anyone who suspects sexual abuse should contact the Bonner County sexual abuse 24/7 helpline at 208-265-3586. For an alternate helpline, call 208-263-6714.